Effect of feeding increasing levels of whole cottonseed on milk production, milk components and milk fatty acid profile in lactating dairy goats.

We assessed the feeding behavior, intake, apparent total tract digestibility, blood parameters, milk yield, milk composition and milk fatty acid profile in dairy goats fed diets containing increasing levels of whole cottonseed (WCS), specifically a control diet with no WCS and diets containing 120, 150 and 180 g WCS/kg DM. Eight lactating dairy goats were distributed in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 21-day periods. Rumination and total chewing time increased linearly with WCS inclusion levels. However, no effects on dry matter intake or digestibility were observed. Milk production was similar among treatments, but milk fat and lactose concentration increased linearly with WCS dietary levels, as did monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA and conjugated linoleic acid concentration in milk fat. This study demonstrates that increasing the inclusion of WCS in the diets of dairy goats offers potential nutritional benefits without negatively impacting intake, digestibility or ruminal fermentation. Notably, WCS-enhanced diets led to improved milk fat composition, with increased concentrations of beneficial FA. These results support the use of WCS as an effective feed ingredient to enhance milk quality in dairy goats, leveraging both the high-energy content and fiber structure of WCS, which promotes rumen health and function without reducing DMI. Dairy goat producers can incorporate up to 180 g WCS/kg DM in diets to produce milk with a healthier fat profile, potentially enhancing its marketability.